Chemical Evaluation, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative, Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Activities of Organic Extract and Semi-Purified Fractions of the Adriatic Sea Fan, Eunicella cavolini

Area of Science:

• Marine Natural Products Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Gorgonian corals are recognized sources of novel bioactive compounds due to environmental pressures and sedentary lifestyles.
• These marine organisms are of significant interest to the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries for their potential therapeutic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To chemically screen organic extracts and semi-purified fractions of the Adriatic gorgonian Eunicella cavolini.
• To investigate the in vitro biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antibacterial effects, of these extracts and fractions.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative chemical evaluation and mass spectrometry analysis for secondary metabolite identification.
• Quantification of phenolic and carotene content in specific fractions (F4 and F3).
• In vitro assays for antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS), anti-inflammatory (albumin denaturation, soybean lipoxygenase), antiproliferative, and antibacterial activities.

Main Results:

• Fractions F4 and F3 exhibited the highest phenolic and carotene content, respectively.
• Fraction F3 demonstrated significant radical scavenging activity, while F2 and F1 showed notable anti-inflammatory potential.
• All tested samples displayed antiproliferative effects against carcinoma cell lines and non-transformed fibroblasts, indicating general cytotoxicity. Fractions F2 and F3 were most effective against Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusions:

• Eunicella cavolini extracts possess diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and antibacterial properties.
• The study highlights the potential of gorgonian coral secondary metabolites for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.
• Further research is ongoing to isolate and characterize the specific compounds responsible for the observed bioactivities.